Mercury legend Penny Taylor to donate 800 books to Phoenix students
Nov 2, 2016, 2:00 PM | Updated: 2:03 pm
Phoenix Mercury forward Penny Taylor (13) high fives Diana Taurasi (3) during the second half of Game 2 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Chicago Sky, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
Phoenix Mercury legend Penny Taylor will give hundreds of books away to local kids on Thursday at Crockett Elementary School.
The initiative is called “Penny Taylor: One for the Books,” and it will be held between 10 and 11 a.m.
The program was started by the Mercury in honor of Taylor, who recently retired after a 13-year career — three with the Cleveland Rockers (disbanded), and 10 with the Mercury. During the 2016 season, the Mercury bought a book for every point Taylor scored (312), and fans also donated funds and new Dr. Seuss books for the initiative.
The Mercury bought the books from KidsRead USA, and a total of 800 books were collected. The books are meant for local Title I students who aren’t able to get books on their own.
A three-time WNBA champion, Taylor will read her favorite Dr. Seuss book, “The Lorax,” at the event as well, and she will hold a Q&A with students about how important reading is. Scorch, the Mercury mascot, along with Hip Hop Squad members will be at the event for entertainment and to interact with the students.
